In this special Arbor Day episode of Talking Trees, we shine a light on the role of consulting arborists and the importance of the American Society of Consulting Arborists (ASCA) in shaping the arboricultural profession.

We discuss:

• The differences between arborists, certified arborists, and consulting arborists, focusing on training, experience, and responsibilities
• What it means to be a Registered Consulting Arborist® (RCA)—a designation earned through advanced education, peer review, and ethical standards
• ASCA’s mission to support education, communication, and excellence in tree consulting
• How consulting arborists provide objective, science-based assessments critical to tree preservation, urban planning, and risk management
• The significance of Arbor Day as a celebration of trees and the professionals who protect them

This episode honours the technical expertise and advisory role of consulting arborists—and the trees they help save every day.

Background information:

• American Society of Consulting Arborists
• What are the differences between an arborist, a certified arborist, a consulting arborist, and a Registered Consulting Arborist® (RCA)? | LandArbor Consulting, LLC

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In this Thursday episode of Talking Trees, we take a long-view perspective on one of humanity’s most transformative relationships: the discovery and use of fire, and its complex connection with trees and the natural world.

We discuss:

• How early hominins first encountered natural wildfires and slowly began to control and harness fire
• The role of wood as fuel, and how fire shifted the dynamic between humans and trees—from forest dwellers to landscape shapers
• The evolutionary implications of fire use, including the cooking hypothesis and its role in human brain development
• The cultural and ecological legacy of fire—both as a tool for survival and a driver of deforestation and forest management
• Why fire remains a double-edged force in arboriculture and landscape ecology today

From ancient hearths to controlled burns, this episode traces how fire not only changed humans, but also reshaped our relationship with trees.

Background information:

• The discovery of fire by humans: a long and convoluted process | Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences.pdf

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In this Wednesday episode of Talking Trees, we take a critical look at how severe pruning—especially topping—affects urban trees and their ability to provide ecosystem services. Drawing from the latest scientific research, we explore how pruning practices shape tree physiology, carbon capture, and microclimate regulation.

We discuss:

• Findings from Comin et al. (2024), showing that topping significantly reduces a tree's capacity for cooling and carbon assimilation, despite some short-term physiological responses
• Insights from Muscas et al. (2024), revealing that frequent, moderate pruning can better maintain trees’ long-term ability to sequester carbon and capture particulate matter (PM10)
• How pruning waste management plays a role in the overall carbon balance of urban forestry
• The tension between visual/aesthetic goals and functional performance in tree management
• Why evidence-based pruning strategies are essential for sustaining the ecosystem services trees provide in cities

This episode urges arborists and municipalities to rethink the long-term impact of pruning practices on urban climate and air quality.

Background information:

• Comin et al. 2024. Effects of severe pruning on the microclimate amelioration capacity and on the physiology of two urban tree species.pdf
• Muscas et al. 2024. Effects of urban tree pruning on ecosystem services performance.pdf

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In this special Earth Day episode of Talking Trees, we spotlight one of the UK’s most iconic trees: the Great London Plane of Ely. Celebrated as the largest of its kind in the country, this remarkable specimen stands not only as a botanical giant, but also as a symbol of heritage, science, and community engagement.

We discuss:

• The historic and cultural significance of the Ely London Plane, now recognized as a national heritage tree
• A cutting-edge morphophysiological assessment led by arboricultural experts to evaluate the tree’s health and structure
• Conservation strategies including precision pruning, new cable bracing, and real-time monitoring systems
• A collaborative effort by organizations such as the Tree Council, Woodland Trust, and University of Cambridge
• Broader reflections on the role of Earth Day in promoting tree awareness and conservation at both local and global levels

The Ely Plane reminds us that caring for individual trees can be a powerful act of ecological stewardship and cultural preservation.

Background information:

• article from the Arboricultural Association's ARB Magazine focuses on the conservation efforts for the Great London Plane Tree of Ely

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In this Monday holiday episode of Talking Trees, we explore the rich symbolic and cultural connections between Easter celebrations and trees. From the ancient Tree of Life to Slavic rituals involving willow branches, this episode weaves together mythology, art, and seasonal tradition.

We discuss:

• The Tree of Life as a universal symbol of regeneration, often associated with spring, rebirth, and the cycle of life in both pagan and sacred traditions
• Czech and Slovak Easter customs, such as the playful whipping with willow rods (pomlázka), rooted in fertility rites and seasonal renewal
• The pagan origins of Easter symbols like eggs, hares, and decorated trees, representing growth, magic, and connection to the earth
• How ancient and modern art continue to use trees as a central motif in celebrations of life and transformation
• Reflections on how trees connect us to cyclical time, seasonal transitions, and collective memory

This episode invites us to look beyond chocolate eggs and into the arboricultural echoes of Easter.

Background information:

• Art and The Ancient Secrets of the Tree of Life
• The Czech Easter tradition of whipping girls | Radio Prague International
• The Pagan Roots of Easter — School of the Sacred Wild • Marysia Miernowska

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This is your weekly summary of the Talking Trees podcast – bringing you a full week of arboricultural knowledge, inspiration, and science.

🌱 Monday 128 - Tree Interactions with Other Organisms
We began the week exploring how trees coexist with fungi, animals, and microbes. Learn how mycorrhizal networks, competition, and symbiosis shape forest resilience and biodiversity in both natural and urban settings.

🧷 Tuesday 129 - Structural Substrates
This episode took a deep dive into engineered soil systems like CU-Structural Soil®, offering practical solutions to soil compaction in urban environments. Discover how to support root growth beneath pavement without sacrificing infrastructure stability.

✂️ Wednesday 130 - Tree Injections
We discussed vegetative endotherapy, a targeted method of delivering treatments directly into a tree’s vascular system. Explore the tools, applications, and best practices for pest, disease, and nutrient management.

📋 Thursday 131 - Who Should Pay to Protect Trees
We tackled the complex intersection of urban tree ordinances, legal frameworks, and environmental ethics. The Canton Township case revealed the challenges of enforcing tree protection policies.

✨ Friday 132 - Mark Johnston - Lifelong Arborist
A tribute to the impactful career of Dr. Mark Johnston, urban forestry leader and educator. From the UK to global influence, his work has helped shape arboriculture policy, education, and public engagement.

🐝 Saturday 133 - Chalara fraxinea
We ended the week with a sobering look at ash dieback. Learn how Chalara fraxinea, the emerald ash borer, and other stressors are decimating Fraxinus excelsior populations, and what science offers in response.

From fungal pathogens to engineered soils and tree protection law, this week brought a dynamic mix of knowledge. Stay curious and rooted – only on Talking Trees.

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This is your weekly summary of the Talking Trees podcast – exploring everything from microbiomes to medicine. Here's what we uncovered this week:

🌱 Monday 135 - Street Trees and Soil Microbiota
We opened the week underground, exploring how microbial life in the rhizosphere supports urban street trees. Bacteria, fungi, and endophytes form biochemical alliances that boost tree health, immunity, and resilience.

🧷 Tuesday 136 - Groundie
We celebrated the essential role of the ground worker in tree care. Groundies are the backbone of every crew, providing safety, support, and coordination on the ground. Inspired by Jeff Jepson's book, this episode is a tribute to skill and teamwork.

✂️ Wednesday 137 - Lightning and Trees
Midweek struck with energy as we examined lightning's impact on trees. From decay to habitat creation, we discussed how lightning shapes ecosystems and when arborists should install protection systems for vulnerable trees.

📋 Thursday 138 - Trees and Cancer
Could trees help prevent cancer? We explored emerging research linking green spaces to reduced cancer risk, including lower breast cancer rates in urban areas. Though evidence is still evolving, the episode makes a strong case for trees in public health.

✨ Friday 139 - International Society of Arboriculture = ISA
We highlighted ISA's century of dedication to tree care. From launching Arboriculture & Urban Forestry to advancing certification and research, ISA continues to lead global arboriculture into the future.

🐝 Saturday 140 - Trees Pharmacological
We closed the week by stepping into the world of medicinal trees. Discover how ash and white willow produce compounds with anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant effects – and how sustainable use could shape future medicine.

From microbes to medicine, this week showed how trees touch every layer of life. Keep listening and growing with Talking Trees.

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In this Saturday episode of Talking Trees, we explore the pharmacological potential of trees, focusing on two iconic species: Fraxinus (ash tree) and Salix alba (white willow). Both have long histories in traditional medicine and are now gaining attention in modern pharmacological research.

We discuss:

• The presence of powerful compounds in ash trees such as secoiridoids, flavonoids, and lignans, with demonstrated anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, antimicrobial, and neuroprotective effects
• The pharmacological profile of white willow, especially its salicin-rich bark, and its applications as a natural source of salicylic acid derivatives
• Scientific studies quantifying phenolic compounds across different parts of these trees—including bark, leaves, and branches
• The role of tree-based compounds in future drug discovery and the growing interest in plant-derived therapeutics
• The importance of sustainable sourcing and continued research into these underexplored biological treasures

Trees are more than landscape features—they are living pharmacies with immense potential for human health.

Background information:

• Fraxinus_A_Plant_with_Versatile_Pharmacological_an.pdf
• Neagu_AndreeaMiruna_art.1.pdf

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